John Tobler's liner notes to the 1999 rerelease of the album as part of a 2 CD set, 'The A&M Years' (540 956-2) state Axton's album was released in 1973 and the credits on the CD state 'Days are Short' was written by Arlo Guthrie.

A search of ASCAP confirmed Arlo as the writer:

1. DAYS ARE SHORT (Title Code: 340140672)

Writers:

GUTHRIE ARLO

Performers:

ANLON H

GUTHRIE A

but may have typo with AXTON H entered as ANLON H (who would guess ???)